Christian Brothers - Congregation of Christian Brothers (CFC)

The Christian Brothers are an international congregation of consecrated brothers within the Edmund Rice Family. Founded in 1802 by Blessed Edmund Rice in Waterford, Ireland, the Congregation has grown to a group of about 1900 brothers in 29 countries. Today Blessed Edmund's mission for the evangelisation of youth within the mission of the Church is greater than the Christian Brothers. The Edmund Rice Family includes not only the brothers but thousands of co-workers in educational and other ministries together with youth leaders in the Edmund Rice Camp movement.
The Congregation Chapter of 1996, building on the spirit and tradition of the past, has articulated Christian Brother spirit and direction for the new millennium:

We as a Congregation pledge ourselves to internationality.

We call all brothers to move to ministry with people at the margins.

We as brothers acknowledge and share our brokenness and fragility and claim the growth that God's healing brings to us.

We as brothers acclaim the Edmund Rice Family as a gift for the Church and the world, and work in partnership with all authentic expressions of Edmund's charism.

In Australia the Christian Brothers live and work in four provinces: Holy Spirit Province, SA & WA, St Francis Xavier's Province, Qld & NT, St Mary's Province, NSW & ACT, and St Patrick's Province, Vic & Tas. These provinces have their beginnings in 1868 when Bro Ambrose Treacy arrived from Ireland with three companions to start a school in Melbourne.
While still associated with schools and colleges throughout Australia, the brothers together with other members of the Edmund Rice Family are also involved in various other expressions of educational ministry including:

• special educational centres for youth who may not be catered for in mainstream education;
  
• initiatives with youth "at risk"
  
• working with Aboriginal people in education, advocacy and practical community support;
  
• supporting migrant and refugee communities in educational programmes and re-settlement;
  
• involvement in establishing and maintaining educational facilities in various nations in Africa and in the Pacific;
  
• the workings of the Edmund Rice Camps which provide holiday and recreational opportunities for young people who may be experiencing special personal or family needs;
  
• tertiary education and adult faith programmes.

Currently a new national approach to Christian Brother/Edmund Rice Family formation is being formulated. The proposed phases of formation are:

• Lived Experience - personal involvement with the Edmund Rice Family through one of its various communities and ministries;
  
• Deepening and Exploring - a one year formal and structured programme including ministry with a marginalized group, live-in formation experiences and regular mentoring;
  
• Immersion - a year which includes phases of preparation, immersion in ministry and community in a third world or marginalized location and reflection;
  
• Lifestyle/Public Commitment - a year or more of study, reflection and discernment for those who wish to embrace vowed commitment as a Christian Brother.

All phases are open to both men and women: those seeking to minister as a Religious Brother OR those seeking a lifestyle commitment within the Edmund Rice family.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' WEBSITES:
www.edmundrice.org.au
www.edmundrice.org.nz

WESTERN AUSTRALIA:
Bro Bernard White cfc
Vocations Office
PO Box 1129
BENTLEY D/C WA 6983
Telephone: 08 9450 0901
Facsimile: 08 9450 0999
Mobile: 0439 948 981
Email: bernard.white@westcourt.wa.edu.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA:
Bro John Webb cfc
Christian Brothers' Community
103 A George St
THEBARTON SA 5031
Telephone: 08 8354 2100
Facsimile: 08 8354 1723
Mobile: 0415 196 835
Email: webbcfc@picknowl.com.au

QUEENSLAND and NORTHERN TERRITORY:
Bro Ted Magee cfc
Christian Brothers' Community
PO Box 923
INDOOROOPILLY QLD 4068
Telephone: 07 3327 2200
Mobile: 0418 718 567
Email: ted.magee@ericeqld.org.au


NSW and ACT:
Br Phil Redding, cfc
St Mary’s Province Administration
Private Box 154
BALMAIN NSW 2041
Telephone: 02 9810 3922
Facsimile: 02 9810 3033
Email: predding@balmain.sm.cfc.edu.au

VICTORIA and TASMANIA
Brother Sean McManus, C.F.C.
Christian Brothers Community
79 Parsons Street
Sunshine Vic 3020
Telephone: 03 9311 5932
Mobile: 0417 136 640
Email: seantmcmanus@yahoo.com

NEW ZEALAND
Brother Paul Robertson, C.F.C.
Edmund Rice Community
Queen Mary Avenue
Epsom
Auckland 1003
New Zealand
Telephone: 64 9 623 0160
Email: pmr@xtra.co.au